Agartala, Aug 25: Tripura Power Transmission Limited (TPTL) has launched a large-scale modernization drive in the state’s transmission network, backed by the Ministry of DoNER under the Special Infrastructure Development Scheme.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday laid the foundation stone for the re-stringing of nine high-capacity 132 KV lines with High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors at Bodhjungnagar. The ₹126.33 crore initiative, covering 165 circuit kilometers, is targeted for completion within a year.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nath said the upgraded lines will make Tripura’s power supply more stable and efficient. “The project will not only reinforce the internal distribution system but also facilitate higher electricity export to Bangladesh and strengthen interstate connectivity,” he noted.
Nath highlighted that Tripura’s peak power demand is projected to rise to 700 MW by 2031-32, compared to the current consumer base of 10.71 lakh. He cautioned, however, that revenue realization remains a major hurdle. In areas like Bodhjungnagar, Khayerpur and Jirania, only about half of consumers are paying their bills regularly, he said.
Warning that the state’s natural gas reserves may not last indefinitely, the minister urged households to embrace renewable sources through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. “So far, 600 consumers have joined, contributing 2 MW of solar generation,” he informed.
To check power theft, Nath announced that drones would be deployed for monitoring transmission lines. He also revealed that tenders have been floated to introduce Live Line Maintenance Technique, which allows repairs without disrupting supply.
The upgraded HTLS lines will span crucial corridors, including Bodhjungnagar–Surjyamaninagar, Ambassa–Manu–P.K. Bari, Ambassa–Kamalpur, Rukhia–Udaipur, and Rabindranagar–NEEPCO Monarchak.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of MLA Ratan Chakraborty, Old Agartala Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Jharna Rani Das, local gram panchayat leaders, TSECL MD Biswajit Basu, and TPTL GM Ranjan Debbarma.
